Pilot Season: Lady Pendragon #1—one of six contenders in Top Cow’s two-spot comic competition—arrives in comic book stores tomorrow. Is it worth the price? And how does it stack up against the recently-released Twilight Guardian? Find out after the jump!
Pilot Season: Lady Pendragon #1
Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Eru
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Design: Chaz Riggs
Editor: Rob Levin
Cover: Drew Struzan
Summary: “A direct descendant of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere revives magic in the modern-day world, but is conflicted when she discovers her doing so may have done more harm than good. Filled with nods to Arthurian legend and a fantastic dragon battle scene unlike any other, the issue is drawn by Singapore-based artist Eru of Imaginary Friends Studios and features a beautiful painted cover by Star Wars and Indiana Jones movie poster artist Drew Struzan!”
Very, very cool stuff right here. 
Lady Pendragon isn’t new, believe it or not, unlike the majority of this year’s Top Cow Pilot Season event. As explained in the back of this Pilot Season comic, the very first issue premiered in 1995 as a one-shot. Due to financial issues, the story didn’t pick up again until 1998. LP faded out, however, one year later when writer Matt Hawkins took a job at Top Cow and settled down with a wife and then some kids.
But fan protest endured over the years, and Pilot Season ‘08 gave Hawkins the perfect opportunity to try his hand at another Lady Pendragon issue—a reinvention of the comic story itself.
I’ve never read the old LP stuff myself, so I can’t offer a comparison … but this comic is good. I’m genuinely interested in reading more, so my fingers are crossed that it snags one of the two winning spots. I had no idea what was in store for me when I sat down to read this issue; I can say I was happily surprised. It’s not what I had expected at all—in a good way, of course.
The art by Eru is lovely (and the inside of the comic looks nothing like the cover, might I add). There are truly some great panels in here, and the coloring couldn’t have been better. Equally matched with the visuals is the story—which, as I mentioned, left me wanting more. The first five pages or so give new readers an introduction to Lady Pendragon that is a nice length. It’s not too in-depth and it doesn’t leave points out that could have been helpful to this new issue. Overall, it flows well. Moreover, it doesn’t slow down the story, either. The comic is set-up carefully and it’s solid for a one-shot issue. And considering all the work the writer put into it (described in the “Appendix” afterwards), it’s no wonder. It paid off. Kudos, Hawkins!
The current/“new” story (after the prologue) starts off with an air battle, clearly demonstrating the present conflict between mankind and the users of ancient magic—including the protagonist, Jennifer Drake aka Lady Pendragon—who are riding dragons. Sorcery or harboring magical creatures like dragons are considered serious crimes; the “rebels,” let’s call them, are strong in their resistance, and simply want to be left in peace.
Unfortunately for them, it won’t be that easy. As the narrator (Lady P.) herself explains, freedom comes at a heavy price.
Interestingly, Lady Pendragon deals with some controversial religious views—which according to Hawkins isn’t a new theme. Personally, I like it. It gives the story more layers and communicates that it has a lot to offer.
So is this Pilot Season comic worth four bucks?
… Do you even have to ask? 
Check out a preview over at Top Cow (gracias, TC!).
Twilight Guardian VS Lady Pendragon
If I had to choose one of the two Pilot Season comics so far to move on to the next round, it would be Lady Pendragon. It wasn’t an easy choice, mind you. There was a lot about Twilight Guardian I liked (particularly the humor), but even though I thought with more time and development it could have a lot of potential, what it lacked was action. LP is more well-rounded, both in art and storyline.
Your turn: Do you agree/disagree with me? What did you like about Twilight Guardian (if you had a chance to read it)? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you’re an old fan of the Lady Pendragon comics drop a line as well!
June 10th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Wow. Matt Hawkins is trying to bring back his lady Pendragon series?
June 10th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Yup.
I’m guessing you’ve at least heard of it, then. Have you read it? Good or bad move, do you think?
June 11th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Yeah, I have the original first issue from the first release. I thought it was okay, but certainly could have been fleshed out more. Hopefully, when I get this one, it will have matured a bit as the first one bordered on the bad girl phase of the 90’s.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Hehe.
The appendix in this issue was pretty cool to read. Hawkins mentioned how he noticed (looking back) a lot of problems with the originals, and that he wanted to fix them this time around. So maybe you’ll like it more.